The Five Best Things To Do in Honolulu This Week

Surf, dance, watch a biopic, laugh, dance some more and eat Greek.

Duke’s Waikiki one-mile swim is a popular event at Duke's OceanFest.

Photo: Courtesy of Duke’s Oceanfest

1. Celebrate Duke’s Oceanfest

Now through Sunday, Aug. 24

Iconic Hawaiian waterman Duke Kahanamoku’s birthday is Sunday, Aug. 24, and how better to celebrate than by getting into, or watching, the week-long Duke’s Oceanfest in Waikiki. The event features contests in water sports (including some that Kahanamoku loved) such as surfing, paddling, swimming, lifeguard skills, water polo, tandem surfing, stand-up paddleboarding and beach volleyball.

2. Ballroom with a Twist

Tuesday, Aug. 19 and Wednesday, Aug. 20

Dance reality TV shows like So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing with the Stars come to life in Honolulu this week. So you may recognize the stars of Ballroom with a Twist, happening at Blaisdell Concert Hall this week. Ballroom dancing pros Maks, Val Chmerkovskiy, Cheryl Burke, Sharna Burgess, Tony Dovolani, Legacy, Randi Lynn Strong and Jonathan Platero will be dancing samba, waltz, foxtrot and jive. American Idol finalists Von Smith (Season 8) and Haley Scarnato (Season 6) will also be performing.

3. Roger Ebert Film at the Honolulu Museum

Tuesday, Aug. 19 and Thursday, Aug. 21

It seems fitting that beloved film critic Roger Ebert should have his own movie, this one, a documentary, named Life Itself, by Steve James. Ebert first met James when he reviewed a film of his, five months prior to his death. Life Itself includes scenes of Ebert in the hospital interspersed with scenes of earlier moments in his life, his accomplishments, favorite movies and words from his friends, including Martin Scorsese and Werner Herzog.

4. Augie T. “So Dumb” Tour

Friday, Aug. 22

Local comedian Augie T. has been performing since 1991 and has won numerous awards throughout his career, including a Best of HONOLULU award as Best Comedian. If you love local comedy that pokes fun at our unique mix of cultures, then don’t miss Augie T.’s So Dumb tour as it stops in Honolulu this week.

5. 33rd Annual Greek Festival Returns

Saturday, Aug. 23 and Sunday, Aug. 24

Greece may be more than 8,000 miles away, but you can celebrate its culture as if you are there. Stop by Ala Moana Park this weekend for the Greek Festival and listen to Greek musicians play traditional music, jump in to some folk-dancing, and fill up on moussaka, gyros and pastries, including some amazing baklava. Opa! For a site map and entertainment schedule, pick up a program when you arrive.

Noon to 9 p.m., $3, active military and children 11 years and under are free. McCoy Pavilion, Ala Moana Park, Honolulu, greekfestivalhawaii.com.

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